Every day, men, women, and families are forced to make a gut-wrenching decision—abandoning their homes to escape war, persecution and human rights abuses. Surviving such suffering should be their only concern, not the uncertainty of whether they will reach their destination alive.

But because of the UK’s anti-refugee policies, this uncertainty is the grim reality for many people crossing the Channel. The Government’s deterrence tactics are not only ineffective, they also come at an incredible human cost.

Since 2019, at least 70 people, including lone children, have died attempting to cross the Channel, according to official figures. It’s likely more are still missing. No one should pay the ultimate price simply for needing somewhere safe to rebuild their lives or wanting to hold their family again. But the lack of safe routes only pushes refugees into the hands of smugglers and perilous journeys.

The Government has continued to escalate inhumane and ineffective tactics aimed at deterring refugees from finding safety on British soil; from sending people who have fled unimaginable horrors to Rwanda, to imposing a ban on those hoping to seek sanctuary in the UK. Who knows what will come next?

It's time to face the truth: only smugglers benefit from these cruel policies – not the UK public, and certainly not refugees. As elections approach, we must stand firm against policies that put politics before humanity. This is why we need your support.

Add your name to protect refugees’ lives. 

We are calling on the Government to urgently establish new safe routes – the only way to prevent more precious lives being lost in the Channel and dismantle the smuggling networks at their core.

We’re asking them to:

·        Allow refugees to come to the UK safely, through an emergency scheme for those already in Europe who are fleeing conflict and crisis, and a refugee visa pilot for those outside of Europe who are fleeing persecution.

·        Fix existing schemes used to reunite families, ensuring that no more children are abandoned in camps and shelters, away from their loved ones.

·        Protect everyone’s universal right to seek safety by scrapping cruel and unworkable anti-refugees policies, like the Refugee Ban Act and Rwanda plan.

·        Agree a new framework with the EU and European countries for a smarter, cross-border response to Channel crossings.

Together, we will send the Government a resounding message that a more compassionate approach is what the country needs, and what the public wants.

Why we need safe routes: Abdul* and Isan*’s story

Abdul* and Isan*, two Afghan brothers, escaped the chaos and brutality of the Taliban's takeover, with a plan to reunite with their uncle in the UK, where they could rebuild their lives in safety.

After a long and terrifying journey, the brothers were found alone in a train in Southern Europe and brought to a shelter nearby. What followed was months of waiting, stranded away from their family and enduring profound emotional distress – a far cry from the nurturing environment than any child deserves.

Safe Passage lawyers tirelessly advocated for UK authorities to urgently grant them entry to the country. But, eventually, the brothers and their uncle received the devastating news that the Home Office had rejected their application, shattering their hopes of finding refuge in the UK and escaping the horrors they had endured.

Left with no alternative, they turned to smugglers to help them cross the Channel. Thankfully, they survived this perilous journey, but under current laws, Abdul and Isan remain at risk of deportation and being denied vital support.

Unfortunately, stories like Abdul and Isan’s are all too common. Countless children, young adults and families, will continue to risk their lives until the government establishes safe routes to sanctuary. Add your name to protect refugees’ lives. Add your name to protect refugees’ lives. 

*Names changed to protect their identity.

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